Your Dominion mandate to living Swifter and Stronger – Part 4 – Pastor Odim Awa Odim

Your Dominion mandate to living Swifter and Stronger – Part 4 – Pastor Odim Awa Odim – This is a series of message under the above topic, and the sub-topic is Holiness.

Sub-Topic: Holiness

Holy is a standard initiated by God. Standard is having recognized excellence or authority. Then for more clarity we will look at the meaning of holy. Holy means dedicated or set apart for a specific purpose or for use by a single entity or person.

Holy is the nature of God in the life of the believer. But holiness is the responsibility of the believer which is the state and condition of being holy. So, considering the differentiation of both through there definitions. We then note that holiness is the responsibility for spiritual growth.

Most of us have used the yardstick of being regular to church services and playing by the rules as spiritual growth. though it is good to do the above. But spiritual growth is measured when the authority of the word of God is what we totally submit to. When the word of God Governs your emotions, your thoughts, your intellect and your entire conduct that is spiritual growth and this is when we can be said that we are working in holiness.

So now using the scriptures to identify and explain the above definitions. Habakkuk 1:13; [13] You are of purer eyes than to behold evil and cannot look on wickedness. Why do You look on those who deal treacherously, and hold Your tongue when the wicked devours A person more righteous than he? When man was created, he made them holy because of the authority and plans that he had for man.

After the fall of man…man lost his holy nature because of unbelief, so God devised another means of restoring man back to his holy nature through the death of his son Jesus Christ. Colossians 1:22; [22] in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight. From the opening scripture we have been restored back to our original position through the death of Jesus Christ.

But we also as believers have responsibilities in maintaining our position in Christ. Hebrews 12:14-16; [14] Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:

[15] looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; [16] lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright.
Our Responsibility to maintaining this position is spiritual growth. We must allow the word of God dwell in us richly. we must be totally controlled and submissive to the word of God. Colossians 3:16; [16] Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Examples of men in the Bible that walked in Holiness.
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Several men in the Bible are highlighted for their holiness and walk with God. Enoch and Noah are prominent examples, both described as walking with God, with Enoch being taken by God without experiencing death. Other individuals like Abraham, Moses, and Isaiah are also recognized for their righteous lives and devotion to God.

Benefits of walking in Holiness
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Here are 10 specific benefits of holiness:

1. Deeper Intimacy with God: Holiness allows for a closer, more personal relationship with God, characterized by a profound awareness of His love.

2. Guidance and Wisdom: Living a holy life opens individuals to God’s guidance and wisdom, helping them make righteous choices.

3. Peace of Mind: Holiness brings a sense of peace, quietness, and confidence, alleviating worry and anxiety. Isaiah 26:3; [3] You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.

4. Freedom from Guilt and Shame: A holy life, cleansed by the Holy Spirit, eliminates the burden of guilt and shame that can hinder spiritual growth and service.

5. Ability to Serve God Effectively: Holiness empowers believers to serve God with freedom and confidence, unhindered by the constraints of sin.

6. Influence on Others: A holy life can inspire and draw others to God, making believers effective witnesses for the Lord.

7. Stability in Decision-Making: Holiness fosters a consistent pattern of choosing God’s way, bringing stability to life’s choices.

8. Blessings from God: God blesses those who live righteously, providing for their needs and guiding their paths.

9. Spiritual Growth: Holiness fuels spiritual growth, enabling believers to mature in their faith and develop Christ-like character.

10. Eternal Life: Ultimately, holiness brings believers closer to God and His eternal presence.